Support Groups and Classes

Following is a listing of our ongoing support groups and classes. We also offer one-time classes through the Rehab Program. Please call 510-204-4503 to get on our mailing list and receive advance notice of these events.

Arthritis Support and Education Group

When: Second Wednesday of each month, 1-2:30 p.m. (except December)Where: Alta Bates, Herrick CampusOpen to anyone with arthritis.Educational presentations by physicians and other health care professionals on treatment options and self-help strategies to maximize quality of life with arthritis. Information: 510-204-4503

Balance & Vestibular

Fall Risk Screening

Do you have a history of falls?

Do you wonder if you are at risk for falls?

Do you limit your activity for fear of falling?

You can receive a free one-on-one screening to assess your risk of falling. You will be given a written report to share with your health care provider to help develop a plan. Screening is located at the Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic at 5700 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. Please call 510-204-1788 for reservations.
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Bone Health & Posture

Exercise for Improving Posture and Bone Health

Find out what to do if you have low bone density or osteoporosis

Learn safe exercises that can improve your posture and bone health and can positively reduce your risk for fractures

Postural assessment by a physical therapist

Individual therapy if not ready for class

This 4-week class series includes exercise participation using foam rollers and therabands (mats and equipment provided).When: Fridays, call 510-204-1788 for scheduleWhere: Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic, 5700 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609Cost: Series of 4 weekly one hour classes for $50Information: Joanie Shepherd-Mellows PT, OCS at 510-204-1787Participants must be able to get up and down from floor independently.

Massage

Alta Bates Summit patients and employees can experience the benefits of massage at the Herrick Campus. Our certified massage therapists offer therapeutic massage that will help:

Decrease Anxiety

Enhance Sleep Quality

Improve Energy

Improve Concentration

Increase Circulation

Reduce Fatigue

Choose from Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, Zen Shiatsu, Hand & Foot reflexologies, Myofascial Release, and Stretching with Specific Breathing. Release Stress! Feel Good! Our therapists work with you to address your individual needs to ensure your well being and improved quality of life. Cost: 1 hour of any type of massage $80, 1⁄2 hour of any type of massage $50. Discount available for employees of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. To make an appointment, please call 510-204-4599.

The class meets every Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. at the Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic at 5700 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. We accept most insurance plans*. After receiving the referral for outpatient physical therapy from your physician, call 510-204-1788 to make a reservation. For more information call 510-204-1756.*We do not accept Hills Physicians or HMO Medicare plans such as Secure Horizons

Pre-op Total Knee/Hip Exercise ClassYou’ve made a big step to decide to have a total joint replacement. You want to do everything to ensure the best outcome. Recent research has shown exercise can help. Come to a one time class to learn exercises that will help make your recovery easier.

The class is located at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Physical, Sports & Hand Therapy at 5700 Telegraph Avenue, in Oakland. The class is free to those having their surgery at Alta Bates Summit. Call Sue Elderkin at 510-204-1756 for questions or to make a reservation.

The class is offered at the Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic at 5700 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. To Sign up for the class, call 510-204-1756. You must have a physician referral prior to enrolling. Most health insurances cover this class if the plan offers physical therapy benefits. Please call 510-204-4596 for more information.

Are you a male suffering from pelvic pain and/ or incontinence?– You are not alone.Pelvic Pain is a surprisingly common problem among men. In fact, 10 percent of a typical urologist’s practice is made up of men complaining of chronic pelvic pain; most men will suffer from some form of pelvic dysfunction (urinary or fecal incontinence, or pelvic/erectile/ rectal/ejaculatory pain) during the course of their lives. But you don’t have to suffer alone!

The Alta Bates Summit Outpatient Physical Therapy Program offers a unique program for men that can help to relieve most, if not all of the symptoms associated with these conditions. Our individual sessions offer you the opportunity to work directly with a caring physical therapist sothat you can get the help you need.

After a thorough evaluation, we successfully help our male patients return to optimal pelvic health using a combination of:

SEMG Biofeedback

Kegel Training

Bladder Retraining

Modalities (Ultrasound, Electrical Stimulation)

Therapeutic Exercise/Neuromuscular Re-education

Soft Tissue Mobilization/Trigger point release/Myofascial Release

ADL/Body Mechanics/Posture Re-education

Pelvic floor muscle down-training/Relaxation Techniques

You are required to have a physician’s referral prior to making an appointment. To take the first step today toward a more fulfilling life, call 510-204-1788 to make an appointment. For more specific informationregarding the pelvic physical therapy program, call 510-204-1782.

Post Stroke/Brain Injury Support Groups

Brain Injury Life Skills Support GroupThe Brain Injury Life Skills Group provides a supportive environment and education for individuals with brain injuries to work through feelings of isolation, confusion and despair. The group provides strategies for dealing with memory loss, decreased attention and concentration, anger and depression, communication and social skills, emotional stress and isolation. A neuropsychologist facilitates the Brain Injury Life Skills Support Group. Call 510-204-3307 for more information.

Advanced Life Skills Support GroupThe Advanced Life Skills Group is designed to help members who have completed the Brain Injury Life Skills Group return to a more active role in the community. The intent is to identify goals for each individual that helps him or her to function at a higher level in the community. Goals can be defined as returning to school, returning to work or assisting in a volunteer program. A speech-language therapist facilitates the Advanced Life Skills Support Group. Call 510-204-3307 for more information.

Each of the Life Skills groups meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Summit Campus located at 350 Hawthorne Avenue in Oakland, California. Transportation is available upon request. Please note that a commitment of 4-6 months participation is required for the Life Skills Groups. The Family/Caregiver Education and Support Group is ongoing. All groups are free of charge and a screening interview will be conducted prior to attendance.

Stroke Education and Support Group(For Patients and Their Families)Learn about rehabilitation, coping techniques, stroke prevention and other resources at this support group for stroke survivors, their families and friends. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the Summit Campus located at 350 Hawthorne Avenue in Oakland, California. Please call 510-869-6308 for more information.

Communication Group for Persons with AphasiaCall 510-204-4625 for information and meeting times.

Rehabilitation Action Program (RAP)For inpatients and current and former outpatients to share ideas and problem solve ways to make life after a stroke more enjoyable. Third Thursday of the month from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Call 510-869-4000, Ext. 2110 for more information.

Spinal Cord

As of January 2014, the spinal cord injury support group now meets at the Ed Roberts Campus on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the Koret Foundation Boardroom. The Ed Roberts Campus is located at 3075 Adeline Street in Berkeley , right by Ashby BART station.

To be placed on the email list, contact scipeersuppport@gmail.com.For more information call 510-204-4503.

Yoga for Wellness

Do you want to discover a way to bring body, mind and breath into a greater balance?

Are you looking for optimal wellbeing and a healthy way to cope with stress?

Then come practice at Alta Bates Summit and experience the benefits of yoga with an experienced teacher who is also an occupational therapist. Through the practice of skillful alignment, postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), mindfulness, conscious relaxation, and creative movement exploration you can discover a calmer mind, a more spacious body and a restful rejuvenated being.

The class is offered on Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. at the Health Pavilion, located at 5700 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. The cost is $80 for 10 sessions, or a $10 drop in fee. Call 510-204-1756 for more information.

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is committed to preserving the rights and dignity of the patients served and recognizes that patients have the right to informed participation in decisions involving their healthcare. Our physicians and employees are committed to abiding by their respective professional codes of ethics as well as those of the Medical Center.